Paddington Visits comes to town

Liz Nicholls

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Hampshire

Liz Nicholls

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A statue of everyone’s favourite marmalade loving bear will appear in Reading & Newbury this week, as part of Paddington Visits with more than 20 Paddington statues being installed on benches stretching from John o’Groats to Land End

Red hat? Check! Blue duffle coat? Check! Emergency marmalade sandwich? Triple check! STUDIOCANAL has announced production for Paddington Visits, a trail of Paddington Bear statues across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of Paddington in Peru, arriving in UK and Ireland cinemas on November 8th.

From Liverpool to Land’s End to Birmingham to Bury St Edmunds, and of course, London Paddington, bear-y special statues are coming to cities, towns, and beauty spots across the UK and Ireland in early October. Each meticulously crafted and painted statue will sport the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw. Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr. Gruber’s shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy!

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr Brown in the film, comments: “I am thrilled to reveal we are going to be unveiling a number of benches across the UK, all featuring a statue of our beloved bear. Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddington… coming to a bench near you!”

Paddington In Peru will see Paddington return home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears. With The Brown Family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mysterious disappearance plunges them into an unexpected journey from the Amazon rainforest to the mountain peaks of Peru.

Watch this space for updates!

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Mad for it at Mucky Weekender

Liz Nicholls

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Image: Ant Penny Photography

Liz Nicholls

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The crowning glory of a soggy summer, this year’s Mucky Weekender wonderland was a Mad Hatter’s brimful of treats, and we can’t wait for next year!

You know good times are afoot when the ground is pulsating with bass as you arrive. And, after squelching on to a very soggy Vicarage Farm and ditching my car to dive into the fun, that’s exactly the omen Mucky Weekender 2024 delivered…

Image: Ant Penny Photography

Image: Ant Penny Photography

“WOMP! WOMP! WOMP!” said the mud. And no wonder, with a line-up like this year’s Mucky. Even the wompy swamp was ready to go, after biblical storms all week threatened everyone’s hopes.

For those who aren’t familiar with this small but perfectly formed ravers’ paradise near Micheldever, it’s the brainchild of the Dub Pistols’ Barry Ashworth. Thanks to the friends, fans & fellow musicians he’s gathered over a decades-long musical career rolling into dub, reggae, ska, drum & bass and jungle and much more besides, this end-of-summer shindig has become the highlight of many a summer. As well as spirits, the festival raises funds for mental health charities, something Barry is very passionate about. And, by that logic… the bonkers Alice in Wonderland theme was the perfect way to let loose and go mad. 

Another humdinger of a line-up beckoned us all to tumble down the rabbithole into 2024’s Mucky last month, among them Congo Natty (AKA Michael Alec Anthony West/ Rebel MC) who arrived on Friday night to greet the parting of the clouds in godlike style. Other legends who delighted the crowds, from front to back, day & night, include LTJ Bukem, Micky Finn, London Elektricity, Woody Cook, The Prodigy star Leeroy Thornhill, Beans on Toast, Bez & Rowetta, Utah Saints, Krafty Kuts, Freestylers, Aries, Don Letts and Nicky Blackmarket. 

All the big tents throbbed with amazing vibes and music (top marks to the sound system which never gave up) but my favourite stomping ground, once again, was the spaceship on higher ground, overlooking the whole wonderland, where Plump DJs & many more kept everyone moving. But, (cliche trigger warning) what makes this festival so great is that it’s really not just about the music but the people. This year’s Alice theme inspired a party of incredible outfits, from a stiff skirt that offered a whole tea party to Tweedledee & Tweedledums galore (special mention, also, to the bizarre pram of trippy treats, The Unlucky Dip). No wonder everyone was grinning like Cheshire Cats, and that the first tier of tickets has already sold out to next year’s Mucky, 11th to 13th September. See you there! 

Home – Mucky Weekender Festival (mucky-weekender.co.uk)

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Geoff Hurst & more in Newbury

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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The Corn Exchange Newbury is set to deliver an exciting line-up of shows for everyone to enjoy during October.

Audiences can look forward to evenings filled with laughter from top comedians, engaging theatrical performances, music acts that pay homage to musical legends, and a fascinating talk from a hero of English football. With a much-loved family show also on offer for the beginning of half term, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

A trio of hilarious comedy shows that promise laughter and absurdity will hit the Newbury stage this month. Dom Joly kicks things off with The Conspiracy Tour (Tue 8), where the globe-trotting comedian delves into the bizarre world of conspiracy theories, offering a hilarious guide to the most outlandish ideas on the planet. Next up, Joe Pasquale returns with The New Normal, 40 Years of Cack… Continued (Thu 17th), a brand-new tour celebrating his four-decade career of delightful humor. Finally, Fin Taylor takes to the Corn Exchange stage with his show Ask Your Mother (Wed 23rd). Known for his brutally funny stand-up, Fin brings his sharp wit and viral internet fame to the stage for a night that will have audiences laughing and questioning everything.  

There are three facinating theatre offerings on the Corn Exchange’s stage this October, starting with Black Is The Color Of My Voice (Wed 9th), inspired by Nina Simone’s life, returning to Newbury. This powerful piece follows the life of the singer and civil rights activist reflecting on her journey from a piano prodigy to a jazz icon. Secondly is Windrush Secret (Wed 16th), a one-man drama by Rodreguez King-Dorset, exploring the 2018 Windrush scandal through the perspectives of a far-right leader, a Caribbean diplomat, and a government official. One holds a life-changing secret that could alter everything. The final theatre offering for the month, Casting The Runes (Tue 29), invites you to the edge of your seat with a chilling adaptation of M.R. James’ ghost stories, perfect for the build-up to Halloween.  

For music lovers, there are a number of shows guaranteed to get you reminiscing. First up, Musicals: The Ultimate Live Band Sing-Along (Thu 10th) offers a wild, interactive experience where the audience takes centre stage. From Mamma Mia! to Hamilton, you’ll belt out tunes from your favourite musicals alongside a talented cast, making this night truly unforgettable. Then, the Johnny Cash Roadshow (Fri 11th) returns with a new production that takes you deep into Cash’s world, set against a Folsom Prison-style backdrop. With hits like Walk the Line and Ring of Fire, the show dives into Cash’s legendary career, bringing his story to life. Finally, The Rocket Man: A Tribute to Elton John (Sat 19th) expect a spectacular journey through Elton’s career with performances of all of his greatest hits.   

On Tuesday 15th, football legend Sir Geoff Hurst, the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final, will be at the Corn Exchange Newbury for his final farewell tour, Last Man Standing. At 82, Sir Geoff, England’s 1966 World Cup hero, will share his incredible story, followed by a Q&A with his friend and agent Terry Baker. VIP tickets are available for this event enabling audience members to meet-and-greet Sir Geoff, have a photo opportunity, and autograph session with him. This is an event not to be missed for any football fan.  

The end of October sees the start of another half term and with it some fantastic family shows. The first being a musical adaptation of the much-loved tale The Tiger Who Came To Tea (Fri 25th – Sun 27th) by Judith Kerr. Join the tea-guzzling tiger, Sophie and her mummy for this delightful family show, packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos. Children can also enjoy an arts and crafts pre-show workshop themed to the show on Saturday 26th to create their very own tiger mask to wear during the show and take home with them.  

Find out more Corn Exchange Newbury

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Focus on Alton Camera Club

Karen Neville

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Hampshire

Karen Neville

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Renee Smith from Alton Camera Club invites you to join the friendly group with your mobile phone, digital or film camera as their new season clicks into life

Alton Camera Club are looking forward to their 78th season of photography and are welcoming new and not-so-new members to an exciting programme ahead. 

What can we offer? The club is part of the Southern Counties Photographic Federation (SCPF) and has access to a wide range of judges and speakers, with presentations from experienced photographers. 

Practical workshops are held throughout the season, with hands-on demonstrations and expert advice on various techniques and genres of photography including (but not limited to) portraiture, macro, astro, wildlife, landscape and street photography. The opportunity to enter friendly club competitions every month, where digital images and prints are assessed by qualified judges who score and provide constructive feedback, ensures that your photography is continually improving and gaining recognition. We also enter images into regional SCPF competitions. We have a thriving bi-monthly Field Trip programme with past trips including Portobello Road Market, Brighton, Brookwood Cemetery and Autograss racing at Four Marks. We work closely with local initiatives including the Alton Arts Festival, Broadlands Riding for the Disabled, Alton Operatic & Dramatic Society and Holybourne Theatre. 

We have an exciting programme ahead for the 2024/25 season and began in September with natural history photographer, Peter Whieldon, who conducted a workshop and brought along his owls for us to photograph. Our September field trips included Romsey Show and Hollycombe Steam Fair, visits to Richmond Park for the deer rut and we have the Lord Mayor’s Show in London in November. Our competition season kicks off with a challenge competition, Song Titles, early this month. 

We meet every Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9.30/10pm at Holybourne Village Hall, GU34 4HD and offer a welcome to people of all ages and abilities whether you use a mobile phone, a digital or film camera. We normally repair to the village pub afterwards. 

To allow potential members to sample our club before committing to membership, up to three club evenings may be attended prior to joining. A £5 fee will be levied for practical and speaker evenings; this is refundable against future membership.

For further information and our full programme, take a look at our website altoncameraclub.org.uk and email [email protected] or [email protected]  

Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/alton cameraclub, Twitter @AltonCameraClub and Instagram @altoncameraclub 

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Autumn glow

Round & About

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Round & About

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As we change seasons there’s a new palette of colours and array of nature to greet us

October. Mellow warm colours; russet leaves, orange pumpkins and an early golden hour before sunset. Maybe a first fire. Change of clothes as summer’s departure can no longer be denied. Gloves for early morning nippy fingers. Warm food, switch from herbs to spices. Sweet treats (not tricks) please!

Redwings may start to arrive from colder climes. It’s difficult on frosty mornings to image that there are places much colder than home but birds know. Sometimes they visit the garden. I wonder if they will stay further north as the global temperatures become less cold.

The more I connect with the natural world, the more I cycle back to concern about the environment. Birds understand weather and climate change. Their collective numbers and behaviours can teach us too.

Our generic seagull, the Herring Gull is red listed for conservation concern due to population decline. UK waters and coastlines support up to 60% of all North Atlantic populations of this species. They may seem common on our seaside visits but the truth is that they are struggling. The combined effect of climate change and bird flu is probably to blame.

The age of the internet means that we are not short of facts on any matter of our choosing. The United Nations seemed like a good starting point from my google search, but even that climate-based information is heavy on what is happening and even how it is happening. Very little analysis is published on the why. Surely lasting change can only come from understanding and acting on why?

What hope of system change for an individual anyway? I am easily paralysed by information overload and default to doing nothing if I don’t know what the right thing to do is. The UN has a helpful app if that’s your thing (or you could share it if not), called ACT NOW with suggestions of steps we can all take.

Patrick Grant’s book “Less” is also an interesting read/listen. A perfect opportunity to curl up on an old comfy chair, dig out your fluffy (woollen, locally made) socks!

Helen Grimbleby is a West Berks/North Hants based artist who is inspired by the natural world’s changing seasons. After exploring outside, she enjoys writing, illustrating and painting larger landscapes at her home studio (@helengrimblebyart).

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Forest bathing, good for the soul! 

Liz Nicholls

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Hampshire

Liz Nicholls

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Ecotherapist, Shinrin-Yoku guide & dad Rob Faure Walker tells us how he can help you unwind in a frazzled world thanks to the ancient art of forest bathing in the Savernake Forest

It now seems inevitable that I’d end up working in the woods as an ecotherapist, but it wasn’t always so obvious. My former academic work explored how counter-terrorism policy promotes rather than prevents violence and led me to Westminster to advise universities on policymaking. So, how does one go from heated arguments in Parliament committee rooms to quietly guiding people to connect with nature?! 

Parliament and universities both force people into disagreements, disagreements that leave everyone stressed. Don’t get me wrong, the thrashing out of ideas is vital (it’s how knowledge and society progress). But looking around the world today, that’s up for debate. 

A few years ago, in response to these stressful disagreements, I started a new project. This led to my next book, Love and the Market: How to Recover from the Enlightenment and Survive the Current Crisis. Drawing on eastern philosophy, I suggest that we need to seek connections and to recognise more of the world. Through doing so, we develop our capacity to care and love, and rise above the oppositional arguments that seem to be tearing us and our environment apart. This connection, recognition, care, and love starts with nature, and we’re lucky to still have some precious chalk downland and ancient woodlands in north Wiltshire. Having trained with leading ecotherapist Stefan Batorijs, I now practise as an ecotherapist or Shinrin-Yoku guide to help others to connect with these threatened, beautiful landscapes. 

Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing”, was developed in Japan in 1982 to help people to cope with the stresses of a rapidly urbanising society. Specifically, the Japanese Health Ministry started prescribing guided time in nature in response to the very Japanese problem of “Sudden Office Death Syndrome”. While this may seem like a problem particular to the overstretched workers of Tokyo, work-related mental health crises are all-too familiar here. With 40 years of clinical trials showing Shinrin-Yoku to be more effective than antidepressants, the NHS has recently caught up and started prescribing time in nature too.  

This fills me with hope for the future as I’ve seen firsthand how guided nature connection has helped my clients to heal.

You can find out more about Rob at integratedmind scapes.co.uk. Love and the Market: How to Recover from the Enlightenment and Survive the Current Crisis is available from Bristol University Press (you can claim a 50% discount with code CNF24 until 15th October); visit bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/love-and-the-market to buy your copy. 

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Half term horrors

Karen Neville

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Hampshire

Karen Neville

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There are plenty of Halloween activities and ideas to entertain your little monsters this holiday

October is a wonderful time to visit Gilbert White’s House & Garden; perfect for autumnal walks, fascinating exhibitions and the cafe is open to all, with a great array of hot drinks and gorgeous cakes. Plus this October Gilbert White’s House has a packed half term schedule with a pumpkin trail around the garden, owl themed twilight tales for the little ones, craft and story telling. To see every there is on offer visit Gilbert Whites House – Journeys of Discovery in the Natural World

Follow the Halloween pumpkin trail at The Vyne, October 26th – November 3rd. Explore the ground floor of the house, find 10 suncatchers featuring mysterious and magical pumpkins. With a jack-o’-lantern theme, in the gardens enjoy family games. £2 per trail sheet and prize.

Join Hinton Ampner’s Halloween Potions Trail with Wilma the Witch, October 19th- November 4th. Double, double toil and trouble…. Stir the cauldron and watch it bubble! Hidden in the spookiest corners of Hinton Ampner’s gardens are the ingredients Wilma needs for her magic potion. You’ll need to race on your broomstick, toss a ring onto the witch’s hat, move your pet spider through the maze and more to complete the challenge and make the potion! Trails are £2, normal admission fee applies.

Discover beautiful, handcrafted designs from over 75 talented makers at the festival of crafts, now in its 28th year. Well-established in the craft calendar and part of Farnham’s October Craft Month, the event, October 12th & 13th, champions great design, craftsmanship and skill. With exhibitors hand-picked from across the UK, browse stalls showcasing a variety of media from textiles and print to homewares and jewellery. Enjoy meeting the makers and learn about the processes used in both traditional and modern techniques with expert-led talks, drop-in craft activities and a programme of bookable workshops. More at festival of crafts | Farnham Maltings

Swap spooky scares for frightful fun on the trick or treat trail at Winchester Science Centre from October 12th to November 4th where Skully the skeleton needs help to find their lost bones. There’ll be a new free live show, Potions Science Lab, mixing up fun with chemistry and bringing to life some famous bewitching brews. And little werewolves, withces and ghouls can show off their best moves on the dancefloor at the mini monster disco.

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Petersfield Summer Festival

Karen Neville

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Hampshire

Get see for three days of fun, activities, entertainment and food in Petersfield, August 24th-26th, as the community comes together this summer

Music, attractions, food and more are all in store at the Petersfield Summer Festival over the August bank holiday weekend.

Hosted by Petersfield Community Events CIC, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bringing free, community-centred events to the heart of Petersfield, the fun is centred on The Square and expands to the nearby streets.

The Square will be bustling with activity with a full programme of live music from Saturday evening until Monday evening while the centre of town will of delicious caterers and locally sourced drinks.

On Sunday and Monday, the High Street will be lined with stalls. From small creative businesses to local charitable organisations, there will be something for everyone. Come out and enjoy some sweet treats, find a few presents, or buy yourself something special. Many of your favourite local businesses will also be opening their doors so come and join the fun!

There will also be activities for the whole family, including children’s rides and themed attractions.

The festival begins at 7pm on Saturday with awesome live music and drinks provided by the Hometown Festival Bar. Claim a table and dance the night away! Caterers will serve up delicious meals of all varieties. Don’t miss out!

Superhero Day returns on Sunday, so watch out for some heroes and heroines arriving to save the day. As well as stalls, caterers and, of course, the Hometown Festival Bar, Chapel Street will fill up with classic bikes from all over the area. Come and chat to their owners and find out if the biking life is for you.

Monday will be the first official Petersfield Festival Pirate Day. Watch out for Captain Jack Sparrow and the Pirate King and keep an eye open for buried treasure.

Chapel Street will also be hosting the Solent Renegades with an exciting array of classic American cars.

We also have some awesome sea shanty singers, mixed in with the rest of our incredible line up of local bands. Closing the festival weekend, Shrek Tribute Band The Ogretones are our Monday night headliners. Join us for a final boogie and end the bank holiday weekend in style.

The Petersfield Summer Festival 2024 is made possible thanks to the generous support of local sponsors and volunteers.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend – join us in celebrating the spirit of summer and the vibrant community of Petersfield!

For more information, please see our website, Petersfield Fests

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Music on the Views in Fleet

Round & About

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Round & About

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Have you heard the news about The Views? The park is gearing up for the first family friendly live music festival right here on your doorstep in Fleet with Music on the Views. Sue Tilley invites us to join the party.

The people of Fleet certainly like to have fun so go along and join them for a fabulous family friendly event in Fleet town centre – a brand new music festival called Music on the Views.

On Sunday, 25th August, between noon and 9.30pm Fleet’s first ever outdoor live music festival will take place on The Views Park and EVERYONE is welcome. So, bring the kids, bring your friends and come and join the party!

The full line up for our first music festival is still to be announced – we like to keep you guessing and build the anticipation! In the meantime, as a teaser, we can confirm some great crowd pleasers – The ABBA tribute – FEVER, as well as Pod Gods of the 80s and 90s. More extra special bands will be announced very soon so do keep in touch by following us on Facebook at Music on the Views | Facebook.

Aside from some fabulous musicians, there will be a Pimm’s tent, a beer tent with a great selection of real ales, fabulous food stalls and special stalls of festival fun. If you want to bring your blanket, chairs and food, then do feel free to do so – although why not support some of our local small businesses who will be on site with a fabulous selection of tasty treats.

The event is being run by a small team of volunteers working in partnership with Fleet Town Council.

Sue Tilley, Chair of the Committee, said: “We are so excited about launching this new event, which we are hoping will grow to be a real bright star in Fleet’s expanding events calendar.

“We are of course, immensely thankful to our sponsors – Hampshire County Council, Hart District Council, Fleet Town Council, Church Crookham Parish Council, as well as Fleet Business Improvement District, Kirk Rice Accountants & Financial Advisers, KJM Salons, Fleet Lions, the Scouts and others. Without these wonderful local organisations and businesses this really, really could not happen.

“All we need now is for you to come down and party with us! See you there!”

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Squire’s garden centres team’s generous giving

Liz Nicholls

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Hampshire

Liz Nicholls

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Squire’s Garden Centres have once again shown support for local charitable causes in the community, through the Charity of the Year programme, raising over £25,000 across their 16 centres and group office.

The initiative, which is now going into its 13th year, sees each centre choose a local charity to work with over the course of the year, running 1st August to 31st July.

Charitable organisations who are selected to partner with each of Squire’s 16 centres as well as Farnham-based group office, must meet specific:
• that they benefit local people with donations reaching a local cause (rather than funds going to a national pot)
• they must be a registered charity
• they are a family or people-based charity or support the environment.

Squires MD Martin Breddy says: “I would like to congratulate colleagues on their brilliant efforts over the past year in showing their support for their chosen charity partners and hosting various events and activities. We couldn’t raise the fantastic amount we have without the generosity and support of our valued customers who assist in our fundraising efforts – a very sincere thank you to them. I know the sums raised will make a big difference to our charity partners.”

“We couldn’t raise the fantastic amount we have without the generosity and support of our valued customers.”

As well as the crucial fundraising, working together often provides a platform to help communicate the charity’s work and relevance to local people and the community. In some cases, there may be the opportunity for a charity’s client to be involved with the centre providing valuable learning opportunities and experiences.

Funds raised over the course of the year come from charity boxes in each centre, the annual Plantathon event, ticket sales from Squire’s grottos, raffles and other customer-facing activities. Centre teams also have taken on larger events and initiatives, including walking to the summit of Mount Snowdon, a staff member running a 10k race, a pop-up shop selling donated Christmas gifts and a charity partner’s gardening club visiting a centre to experience potting-up and selling planted containers.

Chairman Sarah Squire adds: “Squire’s colleagues have continued to support their local communities through their fundraising efforts in support of our Charity of the Year programme. They strive to do their best, working in partnership with their chosen charities that play such an important role in the local community. Our Charity of the Year programme is all about making a big difference for local people.”

Squire’s also supports Greenfingers Charity, the national charity which builds gardens for children’s hospices as well as Perennial, which assists people who work or have worked in horticulture. Squire’s also assists many local causes and events within their local communities in addition to the figure donated through the Charity of the Year programme.

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